In that case Murray I agree with you, this method brought about the early 3 Finger Uppicking style on 5 string Banjo and ultimately Bluegrass.

There are a few players today using melodic tunings on Guitar who play Hoedown which is close to Celtic Polka and Reel, so it can be done. However if asked to gig with Celtic Fiddle etc I would employ the basic pick and strum backing, but I do not nor would I ever chop like some do today; morover so overdone and requiring so little skill we often hear genius smothered by noise.